Johnny Manziel

QB · Texas AM
Johnny Football's rise to stardom is worthy of a made-for-TV drama. He entered the 2012 season as a little-known backup who reportedly considered transferring in the wake of a potential suspension for an off-field brawl. However, he avoided being suspended and won the quarterback job. From there, the rest isn't just history - Manziel RE-WROTE history. He went on to throw for 3,419 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 1,181 more yards and 19 touchdowns - including six 1,00-yard rushing games in 2012. The amazing season turned Manziel into the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in history. What followed was a seventh-month offseason in which Manziel's maturity was called into question often. His family still has significant wealth from a legacy in the oil industry, and Manziel was spotted everywhere from Pebble Beach to Cabo to choice seats at NBA playoff games. More controversial, however, was Manziel's use of Twitter, several documented incidents involving alcohol and leaving the Manning Passing Academy early in the summer of 2013. Manziel was again invited to the Heisman trophy ceremonies following the 2013 season, but was not considered a legitimate threat to repeat despite another stellar season because of the extremely high bar he set and the inability of Texas A&M to remain a Top 10 program. Manziel capped his career with another signature performance, rallying the Aggies from a 38-17 halftime deficit to beat Duke, 52-28, in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on New Year's Eve. Manziel finished his two-year stint as a starter just seven yards shy of 10,000. One of the most dynamic performers in college football history must now prove he can continue his magic in a league even tougher than the SEC. He maintains flamboyant, spontaneous, vociferous style on and off the field, which concerns some who question his focus. But that's the package. After not throwing at the combine, he raised the bar on how to dazzle at a pro day workout, which was attended by former President George H.W. Bush. Otherwise, he has amazing football instincts, and a very good arm with great accuracy. Can he produce in the NFL? The honest answer is, for now, nobody really knows.